Underworld 3: The Rise of The Lycans Heads Into Production

Underworld 3: The Rise of the Lycans is being fast-tracked into production as a joint venture between Lakeshore Entertainment and Screen Gems. According to Variety, Michael Sheen, Bill Nighy and Rhona Mitra have already signed on to star in the film.

Patrick Tatopoulos, the F/X man responsible for creating the creates seen in the first two films, is on board to direct this third installment of the werewolves vs. vampires franchise. This one will be a prequel, focusing on the origins of the centuries old feud between the Death Dealers and their onetime slaves the Lycans.

"In the Dark Ages, a young Lycan named Lucian (Sheen) emerges as a powerful leader who rallies the werewolves to rise up against Viktor (Nighy), the cruel vampire king who has enslaved them. Lucian is joined by his secret lover, Sonja (Mitra), in his battle against the Death Dealer army and his struggle for Lycan freedom."

Danny McBride wrote the screenplay (but don't confuse him with the Danny McBride of The Heartbreak Kid and Hot Rod fame, this is a different Danny McBride). The film goes into production in January. Shooting will take place in Auckland, New Zealand.

B. Alan Orange

Contributing writer for Movieweb since 2001. Owns a dog who loves watching Milo and Otis on repeat.